Compulsory ten-year insurance
The ten-year insurance is a compulsory insurance for any building company. It covers damage caused to a building during the 10 years following its construction and must be taken out before construction begins, then renewed each year.
This insurance is essential to guarantee the solidity and safety of the buildings, as well as the sustainability of the company. In the event of a breach of this obligation, the company risks criminal and civil penalties.
In addition to the ten-year insurance, there are other obligations to respect, relating specifically to the safety of workers, to the regulations in terms of construction waste, or even to the conformity of the materials used. Do not hesitate to inquire with the competent organizations to find out more.
Mandatory certifications for a construction company
Certifications are quality standards that guarantee compliance with the various rules of hygiene, quality and safety. They attest to the competence of the company in terms of construction and guarantee the quality of its services.
Here are the main mandatory certifications for construction companies:
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RGE qualification (Recognized Guarantor of the Environment)
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Qualibat certification
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Qualifelec certification
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NF Habitat certification.
It is important to underline that these certifications are compulsory to carry out certain types of work and to benefit from state aid. Consequently, it is recommended that building companies approach certifying bodies to obtain these certifications.
Mandatory safety standards
Safety standards are rules that the company must respect to guarantee the safety of the various workers on the site. They concern the safety of workers, passers-by and users of the construction and regulate in particular height standards, the stability of the structure, ventilation, electricity, safety equipment, etc.
For a construction company, there are several safety standards that are mandatory, here are some examples:
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fire regulations
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electrical safety rules
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health safety standards
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accessibility rules for people with reduced mobility.
These standards vary depending on the type of building and its use.
Mandatory environmental certifications
Environmental certifications are standards that guarantee respect for the environment during construction. They particularly concern waste management, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. These include, among others:
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the ISO standard;
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the HQE (High Environmental Quality) standard;
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REEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method);
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LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
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Green building certifications: E+C- label;
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NF Habitat HQE certifications.
It is important to note that compliance with environmental standards and certifications may vary depending on specific projects and requirements. Also, construction companies must keep themselves informed of the regulations in force and the recommended practices to ensure the environmental sustainability of their projects.
Mandatory accessibility standards
Accessibility standards are rules that the company must respect to guarantee the accessibility of the various workers on the site. They are mandatory for establishments open to the public and for residential construction. These standards regulate in particular the width of doors and corridors, access ramps, lifts, stairs, standards for people with reduced mobility, etc.
In France, these rules are enacted by Ordinance No. 2014-1090 of September 26, 2014. This ordinance follows the compliance of the “Handicap” law of 2005. The text provides for making the accessibility of buildings mandatory. new and existing for all disabled people, motor or not, before January 1, 2024.
To carry out its activity in the construction sector, a company must respect strict legal obligations, particularly in terms of insurance, certifications, quality standards, safety, the environment and accessibility. Thus, it guarantees the quality of its services and the safety of the various workers on the site. It is therefore important to be well informed about the various legal obligations and to take the necessary measures to comply with them.
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